Amanda's Guide to…Miami Spice
Unlike most other parts of the world, summer is Miami’s slow season. Locals who don’t flee north get to enjoy all the city has to offer without the crowds, making it a surprisingly magical time to be here - as long as you have some relief from the heat.
One way to do that? Restaurants. Miami has become a foodie’s dream in recent years. Take it from Michelin-starred chef David Myers, who recently opened a restaurant in the Brickell neighborhood: “Miami is the hottest destination foodwise in the U.S.,” he told the Herald. “It’s the place to be.”
As it turns out, August and September are two of the best months to do your own food tour because it’s when more than 300 restaurants participate in the locally-beloved Miami Spice. For the full two months, diners can enjoy three-course meals for just $30/$35 for lunch/brunch and $45/$60 for dinner. In a city where the bill for a night out resembles those in Manhattan, that’s a deal. (Drinks are, sadly, not included - beggars can’t be choosers.)
It’s similar to New York’s Restaurant Week, but longer. Because I’m still relatively new to Miami, I’m hoping to use this time to check a few spots off my list, and return to some favorites. At this point, I’ve read endless lists of the restaurants to prioritize (check out Eater, Infatuation or Time Out), so here’s some of where I plan to stop by:
LPM Restaurant & Bar: For those wishing they were spending summer in the Côte d'Azur, LPM transports diners from Brickell to Nice. Yes, that does mean you should order a glass of rose!
Klaw: Named one of the best new Miami restaurants in 2022, Klaw serves decadent surf and/or turf and also has incredible desserts. The big dining room has a dark glamour to it, while the rooftop has beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.
Fiola: Italian food can be hit or miss in Miami, but this Coral Gables spot seems to be on everyone’s list, for both the food and the design. Considering the owners also have a Fiola in Venice, Italy, I’ll trust them with my cacio e pepe.
Cafe La Trova: This Miami staple in Little Havana is a must-go for all newbies. A regular on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, it is as flashy as it is delicious. I’m already struggling to decide whether I’ll order the empanadas or the croquetas for my appetizer.
Cote Miami: If you’ve been to Cote NYC, you must try its Miami counterpart in the Design District. Their Miami Spice offering is Monday-Friday lunch, so it’s an excellent reason to make this part of a shopping day.
27 Restaurant: This Miami Beach restaurant is known as a great place to take out-of-towners, thanks to an eclectic menu and style of its dining rooms. It’s part of the Freehand Hotel, also home to the Broken Shaker cocktail bar, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal and take yourself next door for an after-dinner drink.
One caveat: not all restaurants participate daily. For example, many opt out of the Miami Spice menu on the weekends to take advantage of already-busy nights. But with so many restaurants still making up for lost COVID time, who can blame them? And what’s a better weeknight pick-me-up than a deal on a spectacular three-course meal? (None, in my book!)
Another bonus to summer in Miami: July and August are Miami Spa Months. Here’s Time Out with a look at the best deals.
__
Brought to you by Amanda Sawyer, part the Chad Carroll Group at Compass.